Blue-crowned Mealy Amazon Parrot or Guatemalan Mealy Amazon
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The Blue-crrowned Mealy Parrot is endemic to Mexico, from southern Veracruz and Oaxaca along Caribbean slopes south to Honduras. Its habit consists of rain forest, montane forest to 1,500 m (5,000 ft); partially cleared areas with scattered trees and mangroves; prefering forest edges. They are generally common, although not as numerous as other Amazon species.
Their natural diet consists of fruits (particularly figs), berries, nuts, flowers and buds foraged in tops of trees; probable daily intake of mineral soil.
The Mealy Amazon as Pets or in Aviculture:
Mealy Amazons have a very docile temperament and usually get along well with other birds. They are considered the gentle giants of the Amazon parrots. The noise level and talking abilities vary greatly amongst this species. There are some quiet birds amongst them -- but others can get REALLY noisy; indeed, their voices can carry over a mile. Mealies enjoy repeating a phrase over and over and each time using a different inflection.
Their diet should consist of a quality seed mix of safflower, wheat, oats, hemp, dried rowan-berries, buckwheat and mungo beans; sprouted sunflower seed; some pinenuts; various fruit and vegetables (particularly half-ripened maize); rose-hips; greenfood; regular mineral supplements.
They require roomy cages, as they are very active, and they should be provided plenty of out-of-cage time in addition to mental stimulation. The Foraging page will be helpful in providing an adequate set up for your amazon.
Breeding:
Ideally they should be provided with a large outside flight of 12 x 4.5 x 6 ft (4 x 1.5 x 2 m) dimensions with adjoining shelter (4.5 x 3 x 6 ft - 1.5 x 1 x 2 m). As they are heavy chewers, metal construction is recommended. They should not be exposed to temperatures below .41°F (5°C)
Breeding season begins in April. These parrots are known to be aggressive and noisy during breeding. During this period some males may be surprisingly nervous of their caretaker .A clutch averages 2 to 3 eggs, occasionally 4. The eggs are laid at three-day intervals. The hen incubates for 24 to 25 days. The young fledge when they are about 60 to 65 days old It is recommended to NOT separate the young from the adults before they are 20 weeks.
Physical description
They average 15 ins (38 cm) in length, from beak to tail tip. Their wing length averages from 8.5 to 9.5 ins (221 - 248 mm)
As with other members of Genus Amazona, individuals within a species can vary greatly.
David Woodbury, from the UK (1999), described the Blue-crowned Amazon as follows: "[W]e have had three superb male guatemalae, all of which had brilliant blue crowns (a colour similar to that in aestiva); one had a black upper mandible and ivory lower, the other two have black beaks. One had virtually no nape patch and none of the typical "mealy" effect on the back, yet another looked like he had been sprinkled with flour.. We have found that the body colour of guatemalae tends to be a more vivid green than virenticeps, which can be a yellow-green. Vocally both guatemalae and virenticeps are distinct from other Mealys although any Amazon in a mixed collection may mimic other sounds. "
Behavior
The Mealy Parrot is social and can be found in pairs or in large flocks. They are even known to interact with other parrots, such as macaws. They are usually quiet but can be loud at dusk and dawn.
Reproduction
When Mealy Parrots reach sexual maturity they usually form monogamous relationships with a single partner.
Courtship usually begins in early spring, starting in December through June. The hen will usually lay three eggs, which she incubates for 28 days. The male will eat for both himself and the female during the incubation period. He will regurgitate the food for the female to eat. The young usually leave the nest at around eight weeks of age.
Diet
The diet of the Mealy Parrot consists mostly of fruits, seeds, berries, nuts, blossoms, and leaf buds.
Procurement:
For information on purchasing this bird, please consider the following resources:
- What Bird Fits Into My Lifestyle?
- Procuring Birds
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here for info.
- NOTE: Aviculturists and breeders of Protected Species that take part in the preservation and conservation of critically endangered birds are encouraged to list their group information at no cost to them. Please e-mail me the information.
Please refer to the following websites for information:
- Optimal nutrition to keep your bird healthy
- Housing your bird
- Caring for your companion bird
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Amazona farinosa guatemalae ... English: Guatamalan Amazon, Blue-crowned Amazon ... Dutch: Guatemala Amazone, Blauwkopamazone ... German: Guatemala Amazone ... French: Amazone meunier de Guatemala
CITES II - Endangered Species 
Distribution: Honduras, Southern Veracruz, Mexico
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (please scroll down to no. 5 - click on link to view photo)
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
